Introduction
The world of firearms ownership and shooting is often intertwined with the fascinating practice of reloading. This craft, which involves disassembling fired cartridges and repurposing the components to create new ammunition, offers a unique level of control, cost savings, and enjoyment for many shooters. For those who own firearms chambered in the popular 5.56x45mm NATO cartridge, the question often arises: Can you reload 5.56×45 military brass? The answer is a resounding yes, but the journey involves more than simply stuffing components back into a case. This guide will delve deep into the world of reloading military brass for the 5.56x45mm cartridge, offering insights, advice, and a clear pathway to success.
The 5.56x45mm NATO round is a cornerstone of modern firearms, used extensively by military forces and civilian shooters across the globe. Its widespread availability, coupled with its versatility in various platforms, makes it a highly sought-after caliber. This cartridge has transitioned from military use to the civilian world and therefore, the availability of ammunition and the allure of reloading has grown exponentially. The allure of reloading stems from several potential advantages.
Advantages of Reloading
One of the most compelling reasons to reload your own ammunition is the potential for significant cost savings. Buying factory-loaded ammunition can be expensive, especially when shooting frequently. Reloading allows you to purchase components (bullets, powder, primers) in bulk, which often leads to a lower cost per round. This is especially true for the 5.56x45mm, given the volume typically used by many shooters.
The ability to tailor your ammunition to meet your specific needs and preferences is another major advantage. Reloading allows you to experiment with different bullet weights, powder types, and charge weights to achieve optimal accuracy, velocity, and performance in your particular firearm. This level of customization is simply not possible with factory-loaded ammunition. Furthermore, reloading encourages an individual’s knowledge of their firearm, as well as their own abilities as a marksman.
Finally, reloading offers an environmental benefit. By reusing brass cases, you’re reducing waste and minimizing the demand for new brass production. This small act contributes to a more sustainable approach to shooting.
Challenges of Reloading Military Brass
However, the path to reloading 5.56x45mm military brass is not without its challenges. While the process is relatively straightforward, there are specific considerations unique to military brass that you must understand.
Military brass often undergoes different manufacturing processes compared to commercial brass. The differences might not always be obvious to the naked eye, but they can profoundly impact your reloading experience. Military brass is often made with a specific annealing process to create uniform brass casings. Headstamps, the markings on the base of the case, tell tales of the case origin, manufacture date and other crucial information. Paying attention to headstamps can offer information about the brass’ history. It is important to understand how a military cartridge might differ from a civilian cartridge.
One of the most significant challenges is the presence of primer pocket crimps. These crimps are designed to securely hold the primer in place during firing, ensuring reliable ignition. Military brass almost always features these crimps. Commercial brass generally does not. Removing these crimps requires specialized tools. Without removing them, installing new primers becomes difficult and potentially dangerous, as it can damage your reloading equipment or prevent proper primer seating.
Another factor to consider is the work hardening of brass. Repeated firing and resizing can make brass brittle. Military brass, especially those that have been fired several times, can be prone to this phenomenon. Work-hardened brass can crack or even separate during firing, potentially causing a dangerous malfunction.
Finally, military brass may have thicker case walls than commercial brass. This difference in internal case volume can affect the load data you use. Using commercial load data in military brass without adjustment could result in higher pressures, leading to potentially dangerous situations.
Equipment Needed for Reloading 5.56x45mm Military Brass
Successfully reloading 5.56x45mm military brass requires a well-equipped reloading bench. The equipment needed is critical for this craft.
The reloading press is the heart of your setup. There are various types, each with its advantages and disadvantages. A single-stage press is a good starting point, perfect for beginners, as it allows for the methodical execution of each step. Turret presses allow the installation of multiple dies, making the reloading process more efficient. Progressive presses are the fastest, performing multiple operations simultaneously, but are typically more complex and expensive. Choose a press that fits your budget, experience level, and reloading volume.
Dies are essential tools that shape the brass case and perform critical functions. For 5.56x45mm, a full-length sizing die is highly recommended. This die resizes the entire case body to ensure a snug fit in your chamber. A seating die is used to precisely seat the bullet into the case. A crimp die, which is often optional for commercial brass, is generally advisable for military brass. The crimp die will secure the bullet, especially important for ammunition that will be used for the high stresses of military applications.
Dealing with primer pocket crimps necessitates a set of tools. A primer pocket swager is designed to remove the crimp by mechanically pushing it out. A primer pocket reamer is a different approach, that uses a cutting tool to remove the crimp. Whichever method you choose, this step is crucial for successful primer seating.
Case preparation is an important part of creating perfect ammunition. A case trimmer is a must-have, to ensure your cases are all trimmed to the proper length. Case trimming will ensure that the cartridge functions and chambers safely. Case lube, applied before sizing, reduces friction and prevents the case from sticking in the die. A case cleaner (a tumbler or a vibratory cleaner) is used to remove dirt, debris, and residue from the cases, ensuring the cases are clean and ready.
Other essential equipment completes your reloading setup. A scale (digital or beam) is needed to accurately measure powder charges. A powder dispenser is used to efficiently dispense powder into the cases. Calipers, which are precision measuring tools, allow you to accurately measure case dimensions and overall cartridge length.
The Reloading Process
The reloading process is broken down into a series of steps. Each step is critical to the overall result, and for the safety of the user.
Case Inspection and Preparation
Inspect the cases before beginning to ensure that they are in good condition. Look for any signs of damage, such as cracks, bulges, or other deformities. If any damage is noticed, the case should be discarded. Clean the cases to remove dirt, debris, and any residual gunpowder.
Sizing, Crimping, and Trimming
Sizing the case is the next step. Run the case through the full-length sizing die, which will resize the case to the correct dimensions. Removing the primer pocket crimp is next. Use the swager or reamer to remove the crimp, ensuring that the primer pocket is clean and unobstructed. Trim the cases to the proper length. Case length should be consistent, as it affects bullet seating, chambering and the overall safety of the cartridge.
Priming
Priming the case is next. Carefully select the correct primer for your 5.56x45mm load (typically small rifle primers). Use a priming tool or a priming system on your press to insert the primer into the primer pocket.
Powder Charging
Powder charging requires attention to detail. Choose a powder that is compatible with the 5.56x45mm and your desired bullet weight. Carefully measure and dispense the powder charge using a scale and powder dispenser.
Seating the Bullet and Crimping
Seating the bullet is the final step. Select the appropriate bullet weight and type. Carefully seat the bullet into the case using the seating die. Ensure the overall cartridge length is within the specified limits. Crimping, if you choose to use a crimp die, ensures the bullet is held securely in place.
Safety First
Reloading is a safe practice when done safely, but it is also dangerous if safety is not followed.
Always wear safety glasses and gloves to protect yourself from flying debris and chemicals. Work in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling powder fumes. Consult reliable reloading manuals (such as those published by Hornady, Speer, or Lyman) for load data. Never exceed the recommended maximum powder charges. Start with the starting load and gradually work your way up, watching carefully for pressure signs. Always inspect loaded ammunition before firing.
Proper storage is also critical. Keep your loaded ammunition, components, and reloading equipment in a secure and organized manner. Understand pressure signs. Monitor for signs of excess pressure (such as flattened primers, ejector marks, or case head expansion) when firing your reloads. If any of these signs are present, stop shooting immediately and consult a reloading manual or experienced reloader.
Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting is a normal part of reloading. Here are some of the common issues.
Difficulty seating primers may be caused by a crimped primer pocket, improper primer pocket cleaning, or a slightly oversized primer. If a case is stuck, try case lubricant, adjust the die, or investigate if the die is the proper size for your case. Case head separation can be caused by overworking the brass, improper sizing, or excessive headspace. If you find a case is separated, discard it immediately. Primers can have various issues, such as off-center strikes, and in that case, make sure your tools are working and inspect primer pockets. Failure to chamber can be caused by incorrect overall cartridge length, improper sizing, or a damaged case. Overpressure signs should never be ignored. Consult a reloading manual.
Conclusion
In conclusion, reloading 5.56x45mm military brass is a rewarding and feasible endeavor for the dedicated shooter. While it requires additional steps and tools to handle the unique characteristics of military brass, the potential for cost savings, customization, and environmental responsibility makes it a worthwhile pursuit. This task is not only about creating ammunition, but it also delves into the world of craftsmanship, where precision, knowledge, and a commitment to safety are paramount. Through patience, research, and a dedication to following the steps outlined, the 5.56x45mm military brass can be reloaded safely.
Resources
This reloading hobby requires the right tools and resources. Consult reloading manuals (Hornady, Speer, Lyman, etc.) for detailed load data and safety guidelines. Explore online reloading resources and forums for additional information and support. Consider seeking guidance from experienced reloaders or joining a local reloading club.
Ultimately, reloading is a journey of continuous learning and refinement. By following the guidelines outlined in this article, combined with a healthy respect for safety and a dedication to precision, you can unlock the full potential of the 5.56x45mm cartridge. Reloading military brass, like all reloading practices, is a skill that develops with experience. The time invested will often lead to improved shooting accuracy and a deeper appreciation for the art of ammunition creation. Reloading is a rewarding pastime for many shooters.
